Paramount to Release Brett Ratner’s Rush Hour 4
The long-awaited return of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is finally happening: Rush Hour 4 will be released by Paramount, marking a surprising collaboration with Warner Bros.
A Franchise Returns After Nearly Two Decades
The Rush Hour series, which began in 1998 and spawned sequels in 2001 and 2007, became a global comedy-action phenomenon. Directed by Brett Ratner, the trilogy grossed over $850 million worldwide, cementing Chan and Tucker’s on-screen chemistry as one of Hollywood’s most beloved buddy duos. Now, after years of speculation, both stars are reportedly back for the fourth installment.
Paramount’s Strategic Move
According to Deadline, Paramount will distribute Rush Hour 4 on behalf of Warner Bros. for a double-digit percent distribution fee. This deal comes at a pivotal moment, as Paramount—owned by David Ellison—has been actively bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery. The release represents one of the first major team-ups between the two studios since Ellison took control of Paramount’s Melrose Avenue lot.
Interestingly, Warner Bros.’ own New Line Cinema, the original architect of the franchise, passed on releasing the film. Several other studios also declined, leaving Paramount to seize the opportunity.
Brett Ratner’s Return to the Spotlight
Ratner’s career has been marked by both blockbuster success and controversy. In 2017, he faced sexual assault allegations, later settling a defamation lawsuit in 2018. Since then, Ratner has kept a lower profile, recently directing a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump for Amazon MGM Studios, scheduled for release in January 2026.
With Rush Hour 4, Ratner returns to mainstream filmmaking, aiming to recapture the comedic energy that made the original trilogy a cultural touchstone.
Comedy’s Comeback in Hollywood
The timing of Rush Hour 4 is significant. Audiences have shown renewed interest in action-comedies, as proven by Sony’s success with the Bad Boys franchise. Bad Boys for Life (2020) grossed $426.5 million worldwide, while Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) earned $404.5 million, demonstrating that fans are eager for familiar comedic duos despite industry challenges.
Paramount’s bet on Rush Hour 4 reflects this trend, positioning the film as a potential box office hit in a market hungry for laughter and nostalgia.
Conclusion
With Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker back together, Brett Ratner returning to direct, and Paramount stepping in as distributor, Rush Hour 4 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026. Fans of the franchise can look forward to seeing their favorite mismatched duo back in action, blending martial arts, comedy, and high-stakes adventure.
Source: Deadline
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